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Arthur “Gregg” Nelson, age 76, of Geneva, passed away Thursday, December 24, 2020 at Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva.
Gregg was born February 4, 1944, in Geneva, Illinois, the son of Arthur and Bernice (Wagner) Nelson.
He grew up in Geneva and attended Geneva Community High School, graduating with the class of 1962. He was a three sport athlete, exceling in football, baseball, and his greatest love, basketball. After high school, Gregg attended Northwestern University and Memphis State University, playing basketball for each school. He graduated from Memphis State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business in 1967. Following college, Gregg spent several years teaching health and P.E. classes at Lisle middle school and high school. It was during this time that he met and fell in love with Joy Bowgren. They were married in 1971 and Gregg started work as a stockbroker. As his family grew with the addition of a son and daughter, Gregg decided to begin working at The State Bank of Geneva where he would be employed the rest of his life. Beginning as a teller, he eventually worked his way to President and Chairman of the Board, positions once held by both his father and grandfather.
Over the years, Gregg’s family grew with the welcome addition of another daughter and son. Many memories were made on family vacations, including an annual trek to Minnesota, where Gregg shared his love of fishing.
Gregg spent many afternoons on the course at Geneva Golf Club where he was at one point the club champion. He was also an avid fisherman and a longtime member in several bowling leagues. This lifelong passion of sports culminated in an election to the Geneva Community High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017. Like his father before him, Gregg was very active in his hometown of Geneva where he was a member of The Geneva Lion’s Club and supportive of many local organizations such as The Geneva History Museum and The Geneva Chamber of Commerce.
Gregg’s generosity to his city was only eclipsed by that which he exhibited to his own family. He was truly blessed and shared this wealth of blessings many times over with family and friends. However, his greatest enjoyment was the time he got to spend with family and friends, especially the time he was so fortunate to have with his beloved grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Joy (Bowgren); children Timothy (Allison) of Geneva, Jamie (Rick) Razum of Geneva, Kristina (Brad) Wendell of Geneva, and Thomas of Geneva; 7 grandchildren Nelson, Ida, & Eba Wendell; Graham & Ruby Razum; August & Oscar Nelson; and many other dear relatives and friends.
Gregg was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard Kent Nelson.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, December 29, 2020 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Rt. 38) Geneva. Due to the current health care restrictions, standards of occupancy will be upheld. To attend please be prepared to wear a mask and/or wait if occupancy standards need to be met before entering. We kindly ask that you immediately exit the funeral home after briefly paying your respects to the family so that others may have the same opportunity.
Funeral Service for Gregg will be Wednesday, December 30, at 1:00 pm at Chapelstreet Church, 2300 South Street in Geneva.
For those who would like to view the service virtually, please click on the following link:
http://us02web.zoom.us/j/86015103631?pwd=UEk0MUZPeXY2Z2JuWWtWQm1KTUczZz09
Passcode is 245703.
Burial will follow at Garfield Cemetery in Campton Hills, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated in Gregg’s name and directed to the Geneva High School All Sports Boosters: 416 McKinley Avenue, Geneva, Illinois 60134.
Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva. For more information, please call 630-232-8233 or visit malonefh.com.
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